#Blogtour Imposter Syndrome by Joseph Knox

Absolute pleasure to take part in the Blogtour for Imposter Syndrome by Joseph Knox.

About the Author

Joseph Knox has lived in Stoke on Trent, Manchester and London. In 2020, he became an Irish citizen. His debut novel Sirens was a bestseller and has been translated into eighteen languages. The Smiling Man and The Sleepwalker are the second and third books in the Waits trilogy. His first standalone novel, True Crime Story, was a Times number one bestseller. Follow @josephknox__ on X

About the book

When you’re living a lie, you find it’s best to avoid close attachments…

Lynch, a burned out con-artist, arrives, broke, in London, trying not to dwell on the mistakes that got him there. When he bumps into Bobbie, a rehab-bound heiress - and when she briefly mistakes him for her missing brother - Lynch senses the opportunity, as well as the danger…

Bobbie’s brother, Heydon, was a troubled young man. Five years ago, he walked out of the family home and never went back. His car was found parked on a bridge overlooking the Thames, in the early hours of the same morning. Unsettled by Bobbie’s story, and suffering from a rare attack of conscience, Lynch tries to back off.

But when Bobbie leaves for rehab the following day, he finds himself drawn to her luxurious family home, and into a meeting with her mother, the formidable Miranda. Seeing the same resemblance that her daughter did, Miranda proposes she hire Lynch to assume her son’s identity, in a last-ditch effort to try and flush out his killer.

As Lynch begins to impersonate him, dark forces are lured out of the shadows, and he realises too late that Heydon wasn’t paranoid at all. Someone was watching his every move, and they’ll kill to keep it a secret. For the first time, Lynch is in a life or death situation he can’t lie his way out of.

Review

Reading this made me realise I have to dust off my copy of True Crime Story and read it again, also that I wish I were in charge of a streaming service so I could buy books to develop into screen material, whilst also being aware that there probably isn't enough money in the world to do fair justice to the amount of cracking books there are. This is one of those reads that would be a spectacular on-screen experience - given the right eye for cast and detail.

Lynch is a pinball in a machine without a task or a purpose, just trailing around until the right moment or opportunity comes around. Bobbie enters his universe of lies, convenience and the world of con. It appears at the time, as if two troubled souls in need of support and driven by trauma, need something from each other. Essentially this is what leads Lynch into his next falsity - he becomes the long lost brother of Bobbie.

The more he gets involved the more Lynch appears determined to find out what happened to Heydon, the man he shares a face with. A simple con turns into something closer to - the deeper the secrets the more destructive they are - with a side dish of criminal intent and a smidgen of gangster style justice.

It's riveting piece of fiction, with the kind of ending that makes me hope we see Lynch again in some capacity. The charming con-man with an unhealthy lack of any sense of danger, who is so quick on his feet that the reader can't help but want him to succeed, perhaps because of the sheer audacity at times. It's a great read and I highly recommend it.

Buy Imposter Syndrome at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Doubleday Uk; pub date 11th July 2024 | Hardback | £18.99. Buy at Amazon com.

#Blogtour Into The Flames by James Delargy

It's a pleasure to take part in the Blogtour Into The Flames by James Delargy.

About the Author

James Delargy was born and raised in Ireland, and lived in South Africa, Australia and Scotland before ending up in semi-rural England, where he now lives. He incorporates a diverse knowledge of towns, cities, landscapes and cultures picked up on his travels into his writing. His first novel, 55, was published in 2019 by Simon & Schuster and has been sold to 21 territories to date. It was followed by the standalone thrillers Vanished (2021) and Into the Flames (2024). Follow @JDelargyAuthor on X

About the book

A town under fire. A detective with something to prove. A killer hiding in plain sight. - The small town of Rislake in the picturesque Blue Mountains is about to be engulfed by a major bushfire. The order has been given for the residents to clear out. But a last sweep uncovers one person is missing: Tracey Hilmeyer, wife of one of the firefighters tackling the blaze.

Detective Kennard is in town to help with crowd control, but instead he finds himself driving straight towards the inferno to look for Tracey at the Hilmeyer home. When he gets there, he finds her dead at the bottom of the stairs, and it’s clear she was murdered.

With the evacuation almost complete there is barely enough time to save the living never mind the dead. But Detective Kennard has something to prove and cannot let this one go. Can he solve her murder before the crime scene, and the entire town, turns to ash?

Review

I think what the author does really well in this book, is describing the voice and imagery of the fire. I'm not sure people realise the level of destruction wildfires can cause. It's more than just a fire burning with such fierce intensity that it devours everything and anybody in its path. It's the miniscule details that help give the situation and the reader a 'right there in the moment' feeling. The tension, the fear, the heat - it's all part of the web around the core.

The core being the crime Kennard is trying to solve, and within that is a complex inner emotional product that he carries around with him. Blame and guilt live rent-free in his head, which is why he is unable to let go of a subconscious need to save and succeed. The save part is especially relevant. He couldn't save the boy, so he has to find the killer.

As I mentioned above, I think the strength of the story is the way the reader is drawn into the moment with such a visceral connection that at times you struggle to breathe in a room full of smoke. Interestingly it almost invites you along to disagree with decision making, especially when Kennard places lives before safety, solving the case before putting many others at risk. It is part and parcel of his inner turmoil.

I enjoyed the read a lot and wouldn't hesitate to read more and to recommend to other readers of course.

Buy Into The Flames at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Buy at Amazon com. Publisher: Simon and Schuster Uk, Paperback Original | pub date 4th July 2024 | £9.99. Buy at Amazon com.

#Blogtour The Final Act of Juliette Willoughby by Ellery Lloyd

It's a pleasure to take part in the Blogtour The Final Act of Juliette Willoughby by Ellery Lloyd. 'From the bestselling authors of Reese Witherspoon bookclub pick The Club'

About the Author

Ellery Lloyd is the pseudonym for London based husband-and-wife writing team Collette Lyons and Paul Vlitos.

Collette is a journalist and editor, former content director of ELLE UK and editorial director at Soho House. She has written for The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Times.

Paul is the author of two previous novels, Welcome to the Working Week and Every Day Is Like Sunday. He is the programme director for English literature with creative writing at the University of Surrey. Follow @ElleryLloyd on X

About the book

Some women can’t be painted out of history . . . A story of love and madness, of obsession and revenge. Paris, 1938: Runaway heiress Juliette Willoughby perishes, with her married lover, in an accidental studio fire alongside her Surrealist masterpiece, Self-Portrait as Sphinx. 

Cambridge, 1991: Two art history students stumble across proof something sinister was at play in Juliette's death, threatening to expose the long-buried secrets of the artist's aristocratic family.

Dubai, now: An art dealer is accused of the brutal murder of his oldest friend – the last surviving member of the Willoughby dynasty. Three suspicious deaths over the course of a century. Is the key to unlocking them all hidden in Juliette Willoughby’s lost painting?

Review

When Caroline is asked to go through the large collection of a prominent family to look for pieces of the story of a tragic forgotten artist called Juliette Willoughby, she has no idea that will stumble upon a mystery and a cover-up. Perhaps it's also more of push than a stumble. Either way it is a dangerous path to wander, this search for the truth about an elusive painting and talented artist - known only for her tragic and sudden death.

What emerges is a piece of a puzzle that doesn't seem to have a place to fit. Could it be possible that the painting survived the fire. If so, how did it, why and where. Is this a way to show the world the talented art of Juliette Willoughby - a woman with a name and talent that disappeared into obscurity. That in itself is a worthy element of this story, the way hidden figures create a world, but are never given the accolades for their work.

This would make a perfect on-screen extravaganza - a Gosford Park meets Christie with a smidgen of Saltburn. The casting would be a treat. I love the way this author duo brings in a variety of sub-genre styles to create a story within a story, which in itself is carried within a larger frame of a mystery. It's a great read, one that delivers home truths and the complexity of class structures with the element of charm that keeps everyone coming back for more.

As always an incredibly delicate and finely woven plot that keeps the reader riveted until the last page.

Buy The Final Act of Juliette Willoughby at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher : ‎Macmillan pub date 20 Jun. 2024. Buy at Amazon com.

#Blogtour The Porcelain Maker by Sarah Freethy

It's a pleasure to take part in the Blogtour The Porcelain Maker by Sarah Freethy.

About the Author

Sarah Freethy is first time novelist. She has been writing for television for the past three decades. Freethy has worked as an Executive Producer in factual TV and series as varied as Big Brother and Country House Rescue, to Clive James’ Postcard from Havana and TFI Friday.  In 2020, she was a Script Consultant on two broadcast drama series, Before We Die (Channel 4) and Professor T (ITV) for Eagle Eye Drama. Sarah is a keen artist and photographer, as well as being a collector of vintage ephemera and odds and sods. Follow @freethy on X

About the book

Germany, 1929. - When Max, a Jewish architect, and Bettina, a beautiful and celebrated German avant-garde artist, meet at a party, their attraction is instant. In love with each other and the art they create, their talent transports them to the dazzling lights of Berlin. But Germany is on the brink of terrible change, and their bright beginning is soon dimmed by the rising threat of Nazism. 

When Max is arrested and sent to the Dachau concentration camp, it is only his talent at making the exquisite porcelain figures so beloved by the Nazis that stands between him and certain death. At first, Bettina has no idea where Max has been taken but when she learns of his fate, she is determined to rescue him whatever the cost. 

Now, a lifetime later, Bettina’s daughter, Clara, sets out on a journey to uncover the truth about her identity. As she weaves together the fabric of her past, she discovers the terrible secret her mother wanted hidden forever. Two lovers caught at the crossroads of history. A daughter’s search for the truth… 

Powerfully moving and beautifully written, The Porcelain Maker is a testament to enduring love and courage.

Review

Clara has managed to trace a certain amount of porcelain figures to an auction, the figures are the key to discovering something about her past. A secret that has been kept hidden from her, because the truth is too painful for everyone involved. Her hope is that the owner of said figurines can point her in the right direction - if not, then she may never discover the truth.

Although there are certainly comparisons to be drawn between the stories written by Morris, at least this author is clear on source material, and about the fictional aspects of it. There is no attempt to use a very traumatic historical narrative to enhance, instead fact and fiction run respectfully hand-in-hand to create a good read.

Aside from the tragic and traumatic story of Clara's search for the truth about her origins, I think there is a poignant element highlighted and encapsulated in the pieces of porcelain, and indeed the path they travel. The destructive stance the Nazi regime took towards all variations of the arts is one mirrored often in fascist, authoritarian and regimes led by dictatorships.

The free thinkers, the creative, the solution seekers and those who both influenced and spoke to all senses with their creations and expressions via any medium possible. Of course any restrictive regime would limit freedom and voice, whether that be via the written word, painted picture, sculpture or music. The oppressors weren't opposed to using the value of said art to enhance their pockets and portfolios though.

It's a story steeped in trauma, humanity and the natural desire to uncover the fabric of our heritage and parentage. Unfortunately that doesn't always gel well with the people guarding any secrets. I enjoyed the read and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

Buy The Porcelain Maker at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Simon and Schuster Uk; pub date 23 May 2024 - Paperback - £9.99. Buy at Amazon com. 

#Blogtour Hera by Jennifer Saint

It's a pleasure to take part in the Blogtour Hera by Jennifer Saint.

'From the No. 1 bestselling author of Ariadne, Elektra and Atalanta - From Jennifer Saint, the queen of the mythological retelling, comes the captivating story of Greek mythology’s most famous wife.'

About the Author

Jennifer Saint grew up reading Greek mythology and was always drawn to the untold stories hidden within the myths. After thirteen years as a high school English teacher, she wrote Ariadne, which tells the legend of Theseus and the Minotaur from the perspective of Ariadne - the woman who made it happen. Ariadne was shortlisted for Waterstones Book of the Year in 2021 and was a Waterstones Book of the Month, as well as being a Sunday Times bestseller. 

Jennifer Saint is now a full-time author, living in Yorkshire, with her husband and two children. Her second novel, Elektra, and third novel, Atalanta, were number one Sunday Times bestsellers. Follow @jennysaint on X

About the book

When the immortal goddess Hera helps her brother Zeus to overthrow their tyrannical father, the ancient Titan Cronos, she dreams of ruling the world at his side. But as they establish their reign on Mount Olympus, Hera begins to see another side to Zeus, a side just as ruthless and cruel as Cronos was. She was clearly born to rule, but does that mean perpetuating a cycle of violence and cruelty that has existed since the dawn of time? Will assuming her power mean that Hera loses herself or can she find a way to forge a better world?

Often portrayed as the jealous wife or the wicked stepmother, this retelling captures the many sides of Hera, vengeful when she needs to be but also compassionate and most importantly, an all-powerful queen to the gods.

Review

The author gives the reader the version of Hera which is left unsaid, taking it all a step back to comprehend the reaction to what was done unto her in the first place. We usually hear or read the result, which depicts the vengeful, angered women full of jealous rage and spite. Instead Saint takes us back to the root cause - how Hera was defined by the choices of others. How patriarchy also rules mythology, because it is easier to sell the image of a scorned and angry woman than a character who defends herself and keeps her own self safe by reacting to the threat or perceived threat.

I wonder how many readers, especially women, walk away from this thinking - oh wait, she is more than just the bitter representation the patriarchy wants us to see and remember. In fact isn't her story indicative of the narrative we are told about older women, scorned women and women who are just a little too noisy for society. Let's gaslight them to hide the truth behind the anger, let's dismiss them to distract from the truth, and let's create a narrative that makes them the villain in every story, because we wouldn't want the truth to be discovered when someone scratches the surface.

I really enjoy the way this author captures both the magic, the folklore, the heavy truths and the story from all angles, when it comes to Greek mythology. The journey from end result, expectation and hardwired knowledge, becomes undone when the light is shone into the darkest corners of Hera's story. It makes her many reactionary tales so much more understandable. A fantastic read.

Buy Hera at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher ‏: ‎Wildfire; Hardback, eBook, Audio | £20.00 - pub date 23 May 2024. Buy at Amazon com.

#Blogtour Traitor by Chris Ryan

It's my turn on the Blogtour Traitor by Chris Ryan. 'It's an epic, bullet-fast thriller from no.1 bestselling SAS hero, Chris Ryan.'

About the Author

Chris Ryan was born in Newcastle. In 1984 he joined 22 SAS. After completing the year-long Alpine Guides Course, he was the troop guide for B Squadron Mountain Troop. He completed three tours with the anti-terrorist team, serving as an assaulter, sniper and finally Sniper Team Commander.

Chris was part of the SAS eight-man team chosen for the famous Bravo Two Zero mission during the 1991 Gulf War. He was the only member of the unit to escape from Iraq, where three of his colleagues were killed and four captured, for which he was awarded the Military Medal. Chris wrote about his experiences in his book The One That Got Away, which became an immediate bestseller. Since then he has written over fifty books and presented a number of very successful TV programmes. Follow @ChrisRyanMM on X

About the book

A year after his older brother made the ultimate sacrifice, Sergeant Major Luke Carter, decorated hero of 22 SAS, is sent to Perth on a recruiting job. His orders: select two candidates from the SASR for a highly sensitive mission on foreign soil.

But when a sudden crisis threatens to derail the plan, Carter and his new colleagues find themselves forced into action on a high-stakes operation. One that has the potential to change the course of the war in Ukraine. So begins a deadly game of predator and prey, moving from the streets of Minsk to the cliffs above the Black Sea. And a final showdown with the biggest target of all...

Review

Carter has been tasked with recruiting members for a very small team for an as yet unknown secret assignment that has the potential to change the outcome of the war in Ukraine. Not everyone is a willing pick, and some of them have a dodgy past. 

I liked the fact the author set this in our most recent war skirmish of 2024 scenario. It gives the subject matter a validity that can't be denied or hidden under the veil of historical fiction. Ongoing as we speak, possible scenarios being executed.

One of the things I take away from this read is the feeling that in the end the person on the frontline is always expendable to those pulling the strings and calling the shots. There is a distinct lack of humanity in decision making, and it's important there is a recognition of a core fact - the correlation between war, losses and betrayal of soldier or operative on the ground - is always the upper echelon and the often inexperienced sat in positions of power.

It's a fast-paced brutally honest military story, it hits the core of feet on the ground, the impact of combat and the importance of trust in groups relying on each other to watch their backs. I note that special ops with a militia type task are often somewhere in between enemy and ally, and that fragile position can put an immeasurable strain on even the strongest of warriors.

The author delivers action, frank dialogue, a window into the impact of soldiering on the front, and an excellent read.

Buy Traitor at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher ‏: ‎Zaffre; pub date 23 May 2024. Buy at Amazon com.

#Blogtour Jack the Ripper and Abraham Lincoln by Tony McMahon

It's an absolute pleasure to take part in the Blogtour Jack the Ripper and Abraham Lincoln: One man links the two greatest crimes of the 19th century by Tony McMahon.

About the Author

Tony McMahon is an experienced investigative journalist, news and features editor, and consultant to governments and NGOs on issues like countering violent extremism and counter terrorism. A former BBC producer and Sky News reporter before becoming a communications consultant working with government clients (Home Office, US State Department) on issues like radicalisation and extremism-related violence. 

For the last decade, he has been a regular contributor on TV history and science documentaries covering a wide range of issues and originating programme ideas. This includes multiple episodes/seasons of William Shatner’s The UnXplained (Prometheus/History), Secrets of the Royal Palaces (Viacom/Channel 5), Truthseekers (Big Media/History) and Forbidden History (LikeAShot/UKTV and Sky History).

The idea to investigate Francis Tumblety arose after being invited to talk about Jack the Ripper on Sky History’s 2022 documentary series: William Shatner’s The UnXplained. During the research process ahead of filming, the linkage between the Lincoln assassination and the Jack the Ripper murders emerged. 

He has written two biographies with black British themes – his biography of the late middleweight boxer Errol Christie – No Place To Hide (Aurum Press) was shortlisted for best sports biography of 2011 and long-listed for the William Hill prize.

Tony was born in Walthamstow, east London, and has been fascinated by the Jack the Ripper story all his life. The main protagonist, Francis Tumblety, was both LGBT and Irish heritage – like the author – but that is where the similarity ends! 

Follow @tonymcmahon_TV on X, Visit jacktheripperandabrahamlincoln.com and tony-mcmahon.com/

 About the book

An astonishing connection between two of the 19th century’s greatest crimes.

A fraudulent doctor, Francis Tumblety, is implicated in both the 1865 assassination of President Abraham Lincoln and the 1888 Jack the Ripper killings. It seems incredible that Jack the Ripper could have been involved in killing President Lincoln, but the evidence is revealed in this book.

We delve into a murky underworld in America’s Gilded Age and the poverty ridden slums of London’s Whitechapel district following the murderous trail left by Tumblety. A flamboyant huckster, well known in the newspaper gossip columns, whose celebrity masked his homicidal tendencies.

Arrested over the Lincoln assassination then released while others were hanged on the scaffold. Put behind bars briefly by Scotland over the Jack the Ripper killings but then makes a daring escape. The proof is overwhelming that Tumblety was one of the most dangerous criminals of the 19th century.

Review

Having read the majority of books on the Ripper, and a lot of the theories on the identity of the person who has captivated the attention of many minds - this was a refreshing read. In fact it was a wee bit of a mind-boggle, but in a fact connecting captivating way.

Leaving aside the connection between two major historical events that arguably shaped the landscape of the people and countries they took place in, let's look at the end of the Ripper's reign for a moment. Given the web of connections and relationships the author draws between Dr Tumbelty, the deep-rooted ill feeling towards homosexuality, and powerful men with a tendency to enjoy deviancy hidden in plain sight - the pieces fit together in a way that makes sense.

A man who hates women, perhaps even a projection of self-hatred because his sexual attraction makes him a person many men have an irrational fear of - combined with a unhealthy fetish for samples of female anatomy. Displaced anger, and make no mistake the killings were uncontrolled frenzy and pure violence. It's interesting how many of the interconnecting characters have a baseline of violent tendencies towards women, children and men. Crimes that would carry a stigma and certain punishment nowadays, but seem to have been glossed over with and by the power of friends, family, status and money.

One could even go as far as to, as does the book, connect the dots and see the protection of a larger wider community with a common goal and a tendency towards inflicting pain and distress. Who best to protect the killer and sadist than others of said nature.

I found the read absolutely fascinating - it calls for a script and a tv series. I can't wait to recommend and discuss this book with other readers. It's certainly going to make you rethink what you have learnt about the Ripper, and of course Lincoln too. As with all things historical what we know is written for the majority by the victor, clouded by what those who wielded pen and paper want you to know. New interpretations of the same material allow for a variety of fresh eyes scenarios. Verifying it beyond a shadow of a doubt is another thing. It would still make a banging series though.

Buy Jack the Ripper and Abraham Lincoln at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher ‏: ‎Troubador Publishing; pub date 7 May 2024. Buy at Amazon com.

#Blogtour The Venus of Salò by Ben Pastor

It's a pleasure to take part in the Blogtour The Venus of Salò by Ben Pastor.

About the Author

Ben Pastor, born in Italy, worked as a university professor in Vermont before returning to her country.. She is one of the most talented writers in the field of historical fiction. In 2008 she won the prestigious Premio Zaragoza for best historical fiction. She writes in English. 

About the book

October 1944, in the so-called  Republic of Salò, the last fascist stronghold in Italy. After months of ferocious fighting on the Gothic Line, Colonel Martin Bora of the Wehrmacht must investigate the theft of a precious painting of Venus by Titian, stolen with uncanny ease from a local residence.  

While Bora’s inquiry proceeds among many difficulties, the discovery of three dead bodies throws an even more sinister light on the scene. The victims are female, very beautiful, apparently dead by their own hand but in fact elegantly murdered.  

Review

I realised a few pages in that I have missed Martin Bora and Pastor. The figurehead of this series has grown into an entire microcosm, which is sustained by the structure of the war he is surrounded by and the constant fight for survival. In a setting that begets suspicion, threats, violence and a lack of trust, is it any wonder that enemy and friend are often one and the same thing.

In combination with the 'acquisition' of fine art by the Nazi regime, the net closing around Bora is getting more difficult to avoid, which makes for a multi-faceted read. It highlights the many levels of hypocrisy, especially when it comes to treating men who fought valiantly for people and country like untrustworthy comrades, merely because of their vicinity to any anti-agenda people or actions.

Equally the theft of priceless art during the occupation and run of power of the Nazi's, and the fierce determination of Conforti to ensure there would be a trace left of the perfect war crime. All of this is folded neatly into a Matryoshka doll of crime within a crime, whilst the Matryoshka represents the crime of the fascist regime itself.

I have to admit I was ready to write an - oh, no how could you - rant. The last few pages had me holding my breath there, don't do it there must be more Bora! As always, a fantastic read, Pastor never disappoints.

Buy The Venus of Salò at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher ‏: ‎Bitter Lemon Press, pub date 23 May 2024. Buy at Amazon com.

#Blogtour Whispers Through The Canvas by K J McGillick

It's a pleasure to take part in the Blogtour Whispers Through The Canvas: Murder's Timeless Echo by K J McGillick.

About the Author

From the bustling courtrooms of Atlanta to the vibrant tapestry of 16th-century England, Kathleen McGillick's life and career have been a captivating blend of legal expertise, artistic passion, and a thirst for adventure.

Fueled by an undergraduate and graduate degree in nursing, Kathleen built a foundation of compassion and care. This dedication to service later led her to pursue a Juris Doctorate, allowing her to navigate the intricacies of the legal system for nearly three decades. Her courtroom experience now breathes life into the intricate details of her legal thrillers, ensuring every courtroom scene crackles with authenticity.

But Kathleen's story doesn't end there. A deep fascination with art history led her to delve into the world of renowned artists and captivating eras. Her particular passion for 16th-century British history allows her to transport readers to richly detailed historical settings, immersing them in the culture, politics, and societal nuances of the time.

Driven by an unwavering dedication to her craft, Kathleen has independently published eleven legal thrillers since 2018. Her commitment extends beyond solo creation, as she actively engages with the writing community, honing her skills through workshops and courses led by renowned authors.

And when she's not crafting captivating narratives, Kathleen embarks on international journeys, soaking in diverse cultures and experiences that further enrich her writing. This global perspective adds another layer of depth and realism to her stories, allowing readers to connect with characters and settings that transcend geographical boundaries.

To delve deeper into Kathleen's world and explore her captivating legal thrillers, visit her website at kjmcgillick.com or goodreads.com/author/K_J_McGillick

About the book

Murder... Across The Fractured Corridors of Time.

Plunged into a centuries-old conspiracy, unconventional art historian Rowan Southeil must race against time to stop an ancient evil from rewriting history. When a young artist is murdered in a chilling echo of medieval violence, Rowan finds herself drawn to a seemingly unrelated clue - a 16th-century painting drenched in arcane symbols. Aided by the victim's haunting presence, Rowan delves into the painting's mysterious past, uncovering a dark conspiracy that stretches back generations.

Teaming up with the pragmatic Detective Lancaster, the intuitive Rowan follows a daring journey through time, from the storied halls of 16th-century Tudor London to the secretive 17th-century Vatican. As she awakens powerful elemental forces within herself, Rowan must decipher the painting's secrets - and the connection to the medieval-style murder - before Lev Rubilov, a dark centuries-old occultist, can harness its magic to rewrite history and restore a twisted vision of the past.

For fans of genre-blending thrillers like A Discovery of Witches and Outlander, this captivating novel weaves together mystery, the supernatural, and high-stakes time travel in a race against the clock to stop an ancient evil. Whispers Through The Canvas is a crime story, filled with action and adventure, within a historical fantasy milieu. If you love kick-ass heroines who have a bit of life experience and walk on the wild side of magic, this book is for you.

Review

Rowan is an art historian with an unconventional ability, she sees and senses beyond what is visible to the eye. She feels what is often carried within the creation or perhaps even captured and held hostage in the between the colour, vision, material.

That in itself makes her invaluable to those who believe there is more to the world we live in than preconceived norms. A 16th-century painting takes centre stage in this riveting mystery that forces the reader to see beyond the brushstrokes.

It's a little weighty in a sense that it appears to be on the cusp of wanting to wander into literary fiction, but being contained to a genre or story which may or may not constrain the tendency to walk beyond the structure of said genre/s. Maybe it's time to let that instinct determine the path.

It's a story that weaves in and out of magical realism, supernatural, historical fiction, and a good old mystery at the core of it all. The whole concept of art being the patient zero in a web of conspiracy, betrayal, power and murder, which stretches across centuries - well it has the potential to be a series that keeps on giving. I wonder what Rowan would make of the new royal portrait that was recently unveiled?

Buy Whispers Through the Canvas: Murder's Timeless Echo at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Buy at Amazon com.

#Blogtour How to Hear Ghosts by David Griffiths

It's my turn on the Blogtour How to Hear Ghosts by David Griffiths.

About the Author

For many  years David Griffiths has taught a variety of subjects (including English, Psychology, History and Sociology) in Further Education colleges in East Yorkshire - the inspiration for the setting for his book. More recently he has taught English and Creative Writing at Manchester Metropolitan University. David completed How to Hear Ghosts as part of a PhD in Creative Writing while attending Manchester Met University as a student. Born in Stoke-on-Trent, he now lives in Formby, Liverpool.

About the book

In the wake of  his mother’s death, 16-year old Ollie is thrust into the world of his uncle, Dominic Quinn, a renowned stage medium. Communing with the dead runsi in Ollie’s family – or so he believes. But as he starts to hear voices in his head, he must confront the possibility that they are no more than a spiral into hereditary madness.

Haunted by the mysterious letter that plagued his mum’s final days, Ollie embarks on a quest for answers. With the help of one of his uncle’s mysterious books and the support of his classmate, Hannah, Ollie delves into the secrets surrounding his mother’s past.

But as he navigates the blurred line between reality and the paranormal, he must face a daunting question: will it make him famous like his uncle, or dead like his mother? In this gripping young adult novel, Ollie discovers that sometimes, the most terrifying ghosts are the ones we carry inside.

Review

I think the author does an excellent job of creating a mystery within a question to which there is no answer, because the truth is we don't know everything and don't have access to all the information to be able to answer the question with absolute certainty. Is there something beyond death, is there a possibility of communicating with what remains of the dead - the spirit, soul or energy even?

Or is all it just a grand ruse? An illusion within hundreds of smaller ones, perpetrated by the intuitive, the clever con-people, the scam artists, and the people under the guise of inherited ability connected to folklore and legend. Those groups being divided again by profit, a deep need to help others soothe their pain and conscience, and actual believers.

In this story Ollie falls into another group, into the mental illness category. When voices are nothing more than a figment of imagination, a symptom that can be medicated, and also be manipulated by others. But the question - the real question in this story - is what is real, what is truth and what is Ollie's reality?

Will there be more? Is this just the beginning of our relationship with Ollie as he navigates what he has discovered about himself and the world he inhabits or the world he thinks he inhabits? And what will he do with his truth?

It's a good read, one that keeps the reader on the cusp of something similar to a door, which has been intentionally opened just ever so slightly so we have a quick peep and become just a tad curious about the rest. Okay then, what's next!

Buy How to Hear Ghosts at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher ‏: ‎Wrate's Publishing; pub date 4th April 2024 | Paperback £9.99 | Kindle £3.99. Available via Amazon and to order in all good bookshops. Buy at Amazon com.

#Blogtour Mary I: Queen of Sorrows by Alison Weir

It's a pleasure to take part in the Blogtour Mary I: Queen of Sorrows by Alison Weir. - Sunday Times bestselling novelist Alison Weir returns with the spellbinding story of Mary I.

About the Author

Alison Weir is a bestselling historical novelist of Tudor fiction, and the leading female historian in the United Kingdom. She has published more than thirty books, including many leading works of non-fiction, and has sold over three million copies worldwide.

Her novels include the Tudor Rose trilogy, which spans three generations of history’s most iconic family - the Tudors, and the highly acclaimed Six Tudor Queens series about the wives of Henry VIII, all of which were Sunday Times bestsellers.

Alison is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and an honorary life patron of Historic Royal Palaces. Follow @AlisonWeirBooks on X, Visit alisonweir.org.uk

About the book

A Destiny Rewritten. A Royal Heart Divided. - Adored only child of Henry VIII and his Queen, Katherine of Aragon, Princess Mary is raised in the golden splendour of her father’s court. But the King wants a son and heir.

With her parents’ marriage, and England, in crisis, Mary’s perfect world begins to fall apart. Exiled from the court and her beloved mother, she seeks solace in her faith, praying for her father to bring her home. But when the King does promise to restore her to favour, his love comes with a condition.

The choice Mary faces will haunt her for years to come – in her allegiances, her marriage and her own fight for the crown. Can she become the queen she was born to be?

Mary I. Her Story. - Alison Weir’s new Tudor novel is the tale, full of drama and tragedy, of how a princess with such promise, loved by all who knew her, became the infamous Bloody Mary.

Review

I think this book, and Weir in her accurate interpretation of Mary, reminds us of the fact that Henry VIII destroyed many lives and had a negative impact on the women around him in particular. Both Mary I and her sister Elizabeth I are direct products of their unstable childhood and a father who was a pure narcissist in his private life and choices. 

It's ironic, that any other action considered to be one of greatness and a sign of his rich education, intellectual ability and great mind, is outshone by his misogyny and cruel treatment of family, friends and often his own country. Also perhaps that Elizabeth became more of a king than he ever was, and simply denied him the legitimate direct descendancy he sought.

I do enjoy a good author's note, especially when it sheds such an informative light on inspiration, direction and illuminates a path often tethered in revisionary versions of history, and that most definitely includes the way Mary I is viewed and discussed.

I also lean towards the more factual and brutal version when it comes to Mary. A girl who saw her mother set aside and treated with disdain, a mother who was deeply ingrained in her faith - an element mirrored in her daughter. The breaking of marriage being intrinsically linked to breaking with Rome probably became one and the same for mother and daughter, which explains the vicious approach Bloody Mary had in response to alleged heresy. Her lack of diplomacy when picking a spouse is indicative of where her loyalties lay, and of course the people recognised that.

It's the ability to fill in the holes, the lack of information in historical record, and create a more accurate version of an historical character - a trademark Weir move. The result is a riveting read and much deeper insight into the years after Henry VIII, more specifically the years of rulership under his legitimate heirs that are often glossed over.

Buy Mary I: Queen of Sorrows at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Headline Review; pub date 9 may 2024 - Hardback, eBook, Audiobook | £25. Buy at Amazon com.

#Blogtour Last Testament in Bologna by Tom Benjamin

It's a pleasure to take part in the Blogtour Last Testament in Bologna by Tom Benjamin.

About the Author

Tom Benjamin grew up in the suburbs of north London and began his working life as a journalist before becoming a spokesman for Scotland Yard. He later moved into public health, where he led drugs awareness programme FRANK. He now lives in Bologna. Follow Tom @Tombenjaminsays on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or at tombenjamin.com

About the book

Last Testament in Bologna is the fourth in Tom Benjamin’s critically-acclaimed Bologna-set series featuring British private detective Daniel Leicester. 

When an old man makes a bequest to investigate the mysterious death of his son, English detective Daniel Leicester follows a trail to one of Bologna's wealthiest families - makers of some of the world's most coveted supercars - and discovers that beneath the glamour of the Formula One circuit lurk sinister interests that may be prepared to kill to keep their secrets.

Review

The Comandante has a way of asserting his competence without really doing anything other than having a specific presence when he is around people. If that is not enough then a reminder of his career credentials seems to put people in their place. I think Daniel has taken on a wee bit of that reputation.

The above can be enough of an explanation for their new case, a rather unusual way to to hire investigators though, and certainly a way to ensure the potential suspects are already wary of your motives.

As Daniel navigates a powerful, very competitive field of sport, which is a very lucrative business, ergo one that may compel certain individuals to commit crimes, he learns that perhaps a grieving father had good reason to suspect the narrative of his son falling foul of his own incompetence.

In direct comparison to this we have Daniel struggling with his own family complications and similar reckless attitudes, whilst gives the story an element of relatability, both in regards to the case and life in general. It's what makes the series so appealing.

I think this series is steadily evolving and improving - it has Dibdin vibes - where surroundings, culture and strong, memorable characters create the kind of read you remember. More importantly it is the perfect recipe for a good read.

Buy Last Testament in Bologna at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher ‏: ‎ Constable; pub date 9 Nov. 2023. Buy at Amazon com.

#Blogtour House of Kwa by Mimi Kwa

It's a pleasure to take part in the Blogtour House of Kwa by Mimi Kwa.

About the Author

Mimi Kwa has been a journalist and television newsreader for twenty years as well as appearing in TV series and commercials. She and her partner, John, live in Melbourne, with their four children, a cavoodle and a burmese cat. Mimi loves to paint and write. This is her first book.

About the book

Wild Swans meets Educated in this riveting true story spanning four generations - The dragon circles and swoops ... a tiger running alone in the night  

Mimi Kwa ignored the letter for days. When she finally opened it, the news was so shocking her hair turned grey. Why would a father sue his own daughter?

The collision was over the estate of Mimi's beloved Aunt Theresa, but its seed had been sown long ago. In an attempt to understand how it had come to this, Mimi unspools her rich family history in House of Kwa.

One of a wealthy silk merchant's 32 children, Mimi's father, Francis, was just a little boy when the Kwa family became caught up in the brutal and devastating Japanese occupation of Hong Kong during World War II. Years later, he was sent to study in Australia by his now independent and successful older sister Theresa. There he met and married Mimi's mother, a nineteen-year-old with an undiagnosed, chronic mental illness. Soon after, 'tiger' Mimi arrived, and her struggle with the past and the dragon - began ...

Riveting, colourful and often darkly humorous, House of Kwa is an epic family drama spanning four generations, and an unforgettable story about how one woman finds the courage to stand up for her freedom and independence, squaring off against the ghosts of the past and finally putting them to rest. Throughout, her inspiration is Francis's late older sister, the jet-setting, free-spirited Aunt Theresa, whose extraordinary life is a beacon of hope in the darkness.

Review

I have to admit the last sentence of the last chapter (not the epilogue) made me smirk. It just encapsulates the history, the heritage, the genealogy, the family web and entirety of this memoir, with such accuracy. The fragile balance between sanity, safety, happiness and peace, which appears to be in a constant state of imbalance because at the core is always this expectation of living up to tradition of prior generations.

It's a fascinating memoir, there is no question that House of Kwa brings its own building size sense of history, myth and importance with it. That is drawn in direct comparison to the present generations and their attempt to navigate deeply ingrained entitlement.

I think it's fair to say that it takes an almost out of body observation of self, loved ones and family to be able to not only view and engage her family members in a way that is compassionate, and yet simultaneously stand her ground and fight for what is right.

I really enjoyed the read, Mimi is commendable for being so patient and coming out the other side without falling prey to the traditions and expectations of such an auspicious legacy, and equally finding firm footing in a chaotic modern version of family.

Buy House of Kwa at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher ‏: ‎HarperCollins pub date 9 May 2024. Buy at Amazon com.

#Blogtour The Night in Question by Susan Fletcher

It's a pleasure to take part in the Blogtour The Night in Question by Susan Fletcher.

*From the literary award winning, bestselling and critically acclaimed novelist Susan Fletcher comes a novel about the richness and adventures of one woman’s life – a joyful, brave, unconventional life, brimming with love and loss in all its forms.* 

About the Author

Susan Fletcher was born in Birmingham and studied English Literature at the University of York. 

Whilst taking the MA in Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia, she began her first novel, Eve Green, which won the Whitbread First Novel Award (2004) and Betty Trask Prize (2005). Since then, Susan has written seven novels - whilst also supplementing her writing through various roles, including as a barperson, a cheesemonger and a warden for an archaeological excavation site near Hadrian's Wall. Most recently, she has been a Royal Literary Fund Fellow at the University of Worcester. She lives in Warwickshire. Follow @sfletcherauthor on X

About the book

#“Florrie knows that love, the proper, deep, extraordinary kind – is not about you. Real love is about them, always – about the person who you love above all others, whose happiness you long for above all other things.  With love, you want the best for them.  You want their contentment, their safety.  You want them to laugh freely, to dance, to live a long, healthy life of joy and gratitude – even if this happens away from you, even if your beloved never knows your name.  For that person you’d deny yourself a thousand things in your own life if it meant they had just one of them – just one.  

For one has, with love, the curious notion that you can pass on your own allowance of happiness to them, in some fashion, as if bequeathing pennies that you’d rather they spent, not you.”  - Joy? Here. Have all of mine. 

Review

I think this author has a particular strength when it comes to creating characters the reader becomes invested in. Deeper emotional connections, perhaps because the characters resonate with a specific part of our experiences or our frame of references.

This time the characters and story is woven together with a potential mystery at the core. It allows for a greater exploration of love, life, both lived and lost. In a sense the inner core, when you move through the forest of suspicion and questions, is about the beginning and the end - a path well travelled.

I loved the way this story became an multi genre experience with a literary vibe. The descriptive prose evokes poetic imagery, which is then drawn in a direct contrast to the ageing in Florrie. Knowing that her vivacious and colourful journey is slowing down and declining. Her health and changes that come with aging have become a burden that attracts vicious tongues, and yet despite all that she lives in a world that sees the beauty and joy in the fleeting moments.

I enjoyed the read - will we hear more from Florrie? Or is the path to the end exactly what the readers want for her. It's a story that travels smoothly from present to past and back again, and sometimes part of that past clings tightly to the travelling ever evolving memory.

Buy The Night in Question at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Bantam; pub date 18th April 2024 | Hardback | £14.99. Buy at Amazon com.